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If you’d like to learn more about the Office Assistant program, we’d love to talk with you. We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step. Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
The Office Assistant program at Madison College will teach you the latest technology and software and the customer service skills needed for work as an office employee. Our instructors are here to help you every step of the way.
This program may be used to help you prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) computer certifications.
Program Details
Students in the Office Assistant Diploma program can attend full or part-time.
The Office Assistant classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
Careers
Office Assistant embedded technical diploma graduates are ready for a range of professional positions, including:
- Administrative Services Coordinator
- Customer Service Associate
- Office Assistant
- Program Assistant
- Receptionist-Data Entry
- Secretarial Assistant
- Word Processor
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-103-104Microsoft Teams and Integrated Applications
This course introduces Microsoft Teams as a collaboration and communication tool within Microsoft 365. Students learn to create teams, manage meetings, share files, and collaborate in real time using channels and integrated apps such as Forms, Planner, Lists, Whiteboard, and Loop. Emphasis is placed on productivity, digital etiquette, and ethical and responsible use of digital tools. Competency in Windows and file management required.1 credit10-103-120Digital Learning Foundations
Introduces essential digital tools and resources at Madison College. Students will explore the student homepage and key support resources, navigate important features within Brightspace, develop skills in digital file management using File Explorer/Finder and OneDrive, download and utilize Microsoft 365 applications and web conferencing tools, and conclude with an introduction to the role of AI in their educational journey.1 credit10-103-165Outlook
Use Microsoft's messaging and personal information management program. Communicate by email; schedule appointments, meetings and events; manage the Inbox, contact lists, tasks, notes, and to-do lists; categorize and flag messages; track and archive messages; configure and customize Outlook; manage Outlook components; integrate Outlook options; create quick steps and rules; configure autoarchive settings, work with news feeds.1 credit10-106-100Mindset for Success
Designed to foster the attitudes and skills that can inspire and empower you throughout your career regardless of your chosen path. Develop and improve skills in creativity, ambition, critical thinking, innovation, opportunistic thinking, and teamwork through experiential and problem-solving approaches. Become an engaged workplace contributor and develop a workforce-ready mindset.3 credits10-106-107Business Document Applications
Achieve expert-level word processing skills by learning on Microsoft Office Word. Students will utilize the software to solve practical problems in a project-based format. Explore fundamentals and best practices in document creation, editing, formatting, collaboration, tables, mail merge, desktop publishing, themes, templates, forms, and macros. Students must have the ability to key 30 WPM.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-804-123Math with Business Applications
This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.3 creditsSecond Semester10-103-145Access
Within the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Access database software can help manage your information, data, and records. In this beginning level course, students will create, edit, and manipulate databases, add tables to store and organize data, create relationships to take advantage of a relational database, perform queries to extract meaningful information, add calculations to tables and queries to determine values, create and use forms to assist with data entry and online data management, and develop reports for data analysis and reporting out to stakeholders. Students must be competent in Windows and have file management skills.1 credit10-103-169Collaboration and Productivity Tools
Learn, compare, and analyze the successful use of collaboration and social media tools used in organizations today. Organize notes, images, files, and correspondence with Microsoft OneNote; build a customized online calendar to track meetings and tasks; explore and participate in social media applications from a business perspective; examine video conferencing systems and take part in a live web meeting; utilize SharePoint to store and manage files. This course uses Microsoft Office 365/OneNote 2019.1 credit10-106-109Business Spreadsheet Applications
Create professional, data-driven workbooks using Microsoft Excel. Develop skills with formulas, functions, worksheet formatting, charts, tables, conditional formatting, multiple worksheets and workbooks, templates, data validation, worksheet protection, and macros. Import and cleanse data, perform what-if analysis using Scenario Manager, Data Tables, and Solver, and complete loan amortization, investment analysis, and asset depreciation calculations.3 credits10-106-164Customer Contact Skills
Develop a foundation in customer service knowledge and skills through inquiry and analysis of internal and external customers, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening techniques, critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as adding value to customer service interactions. Focus on the impact of technology on customer service, analyze service breakdowns and recovery, examine customer loyalty programs, and explore the diverse customer base within our global economy.2 credits10-106-172Administrative Office Management
Develop the skills necessary to succeed in a global business office. Topics include: teamwork and interpersonal skills, business travel, meeting preparation and support, meeting minutes/note taking, online surveys, workplace confidentiality, management and leadership skills, and global business perspectives. Learn how to effectively manage and support others within an organization.3 credits10-106-231Business Presentations and Publications
Explore key graphic design principles and best practices for designing and presenting. Using Microsoft PowerPoint, incorporate graphics, SmartArt, icons, multimedia elements, charts, and tables to engage your audience. Add transitions and professional animations. Work with the Slide Master to fully customize presentations. Develop eye-catching handouts, flyers, social media posts, and presentations using free online graphic design tools such as Canva. Prerequisite: Windows competency, including solid file management skills. This course uses Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Canva.3 credits -
How to Apply
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes, or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Office Assistant career.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Office Assistant program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Manage an office effectively and efficiently.
- Communicate clearly and professionally.
- Recognize professional values and exhibit professional behaviors in the work environment.
- Use appropriate technology and technical skills to manage information and solve problems.
- Exhibit interpersonal skills and attitudes for working in an office environment.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 11 7 2 Number of Surveys Sent 11 7 2 Number of Surveys Returned 11 5 1 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 9 3 1 Percent Available for Employment 81.8% 60.0% 100.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 18.2% 40.0% 0.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 8 3 1 Percent of Graduates Employed 88.9% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 6 2 1 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 75.0% 66.7% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 1 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 25.0% 33.3% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3 4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 10 3 1 Very Satisfied (4) 7 0 1 Percent Very Satisfied 70.0% 0.0% 100.0% Satisfied (3) 3 3 0 Percent Satisfied 30.0% 100.0% 0.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 11 5 1 Preparation for Getting a Job 6 0 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 54.5% 0.0% 100.0% Career Change 0 1 0 Percent Career Change 0.0% 20.0% 0.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 4 2 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 36.4% 40.0% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 1 2 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 9.1% 40.0% 0.0% Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 8 3 1 Before Enrollment 2 2 1 Percent Before Enrollment 25.0% 66.7% 100.0% While Attending the College 3 1 0 Percent While Attending the College 37.5% 33.3% 0.0% After Training at the College 3 0 0 Percent After Training at the College 37.5% 0.0% 0.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 8 3 1 In College District 7 2 1 Percent In College District 87.5% 66.7% 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 3 1 1 Average Monthly Wage $3,555 $9,345 $5,160 Average Hourly Wage $20.67 $54.33 $30.00 Average Work Hours per Week 39.0 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 1 Average Hourly Wage $20.00 $15.00 Average Work Hours per Week 30.0 10.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Promega Corporation Training & Packaging Coordinator Fitchburg * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
